Polarization is evident, with detractors accusing it of pushing political agendas aligned with the government. Enter Anupam Kher, the seasoned thespian who, after a private screening, emerged as the film’s staunchest supporter. Dialing director Aditya Dhar post-viewing, Kher gushed over its perfection in every department.

In a heartfelt post, he wrote: ‘Dhurandhar 2 is phenomenal! Aditya Dhar, you’re a true rockstar. Sometimes language fails to capture it—you step out into a silence that echoes everything, yet explains nothing. This isn’t mere cinema; it’s a transformative journey.’

Targeting naysayers who brand it propaganda—much like they did with poignant films on Kashmir—Kher retorted: ‘Make your own film if that’s your gripe. Here, Pakistan gets logically eviscerated, and that’s worthy of applause.’ He dissected the cast’s brilliance, spotlighting Ranveer Singh’s gut-wrenching emotional portrayal that mirrors real pain, compelling empathy from all.

The film’s technical prowess, from sharp dialogues to stellar casting, elevates it beyond entertainment into a mirror of harsh realities. Kher’s bold stance amplifies the conversation, positioning ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as essential viewing that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths amid the glamour of Bollywood spectacle.

This was not a skirmish. It was a high impact and sophisticated operation – codenamed ‘Darra-e-Bolan 2.0 – that sent a shockwave across the Pakistani establishment.

With 450 people on board, the train was hijacked by BLA fighters who first blew up the rail tracks in Balochistan. They literally held Pakistan and its military establishment hostage during the two-day siege. More than 200 officials, who included personnel from armed forces, police and other government departments, were held hostage and the “invincible” state was left scrambling in panic.

Ever ready to paper over its failures, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), describing the incident a “barbaric bloodbath”, claimed the BLA rebels suffered heavy casualties. However, the recent video tells a completely different story.

The clip reveals a disciplined, calculated and calm operation. It shows the storming of the train – from pre-mission briefings to combat training. The footage showcases the elite fidayeen unit of the BLA carrying out a textbook mission. Elderly, children and women passengers can be seen being safely evacuated – busting Pakistan’s propaganda that the BLA acted indiscriminately.

Echoing the determination and desperation of a people crushed under decades of Pakistan military oppression, the video starts with a powerful statement, “Our struggle and war has come to a point where we are to take such critical decisions…. A gun is needed to halt the gun.”

Monitoring:

Baloch Liberation Army media #Hakkal published video of the #JaffarExpress Hijack (Operation Darra-E-Bolan 2.0)#Balochistan pic.twitter.com/ClxM6VIOsy — Bahot | باہوٹ (@bahot_baluch) May 18, 2025

It was not a rhetoric. With every man briefed on his objective and positioning, the BLA fidaeen fighters being prepped for war. There were not just rogue elements; they were trained insurgents with a clear mission – deliver a brutal message to the occupying Pakistani state.

Pakistan had claimed that the security forces killed 33 rebels during the siege – which ended in 30 hours. However, the BLA says it eliminated all 214 Pakistani military hostages who were captured during the hijack that is considered to be a devastating blow to Pakistan’s credibility and control in Balochistan.

The BLA doubled down while Pakistan tried to bury the operation under lies – showing messages, names and faces of its Majeed Brigade – which had carried out the attack. They emerged prepared for more, proud and defiant – far from being decimated.

More than a documentation of an operation, the video footage is a public relations nightmare for Pakistan. It is a reminder that Balochistan is not silent and that the people of Balochistan are far from defeated.

The footage is explosive, not just in content but in consequences, for a state built on militarised control, forced disappearances and censorship.